How to Protect Yourself from Injuries!

In our fast-paced world, where rushing seems to be the norm, injuries often occur.

Children scrape elbows, skin their knees, and break bones, and adults experience mishaps due to hurried actions.

Instilling the value of mindfulness and encouraging a pause for preparation in people of all ages, reduces accidents.

Slowing down is crucial in injury prevention because when we rush through tasks without being mindful, we are more prone to mishaps.

I’ve always been a type A personality who gets a lot done in a very short amount of time.

Most times this is good, but sometimes it works against me and injuries happen.

Let’s not discuss my culinary knife skills, no one wants Kim to possess a knife!

Injuries occur when we don’t slow down, due to a lack of attention, and inadequate awareness of our surroundings.

If you’re accident-prone, it becomes even more important to take precautions in your daily activities.

I remember visiting my dad once.

He came in from outside, bleeding after losing a fight with some tree branches!

Dad’s bleeding, was a pretty common occurrence and never a big deal to him.

Nothing bothered that man!

I, on the other hand, scurried around the house in a panic, trying to find a bandaid or two to patch him up!

Speaking of bandaids, have you watched the comedian “Sebastian” talk about a guy who had four bandaids on his foot? It’s Hilarious!

Are you Accident Prone?

Being accident-prone means that you have a history of experiencing frequent injuries, so it’s essential to be extra vigilant in preventing accidents by taking time to anticipate hazards.

Last time we played Pickleball, my husband went all in for a wild shot and crashed full force into a padded wall.

He scraped the back of his hand, and created a bloody mess, so off we went to get first aid.

More bandaids!

According to CNN “Pickleball, America’s fastest-growing sport, is taking a toll on players’ wrists, legs and shoulders. Pickleball injuries may cost Americans $377 million in health care costs this year. The analysts estimated that there will be around 67,000 emergency room visits, 366,000 outpatient visits and 9,000 outpatient surgeries related to pickleball injuries this year”.

Some advice…it may be best to resist the temptation of forcing a difficult shot, in all racquet sports because it may increase your chance of injury.

Wear Protective Gear!

When participating in any type of sport, It’s good to start slow!. It’s also smart to wear protective gear, follow instructions, and take breaks when fatigue sets in.

In activities like hiking or biking, the key to preventing injury, and remember to start slowly!

There’s no need to dive into running marathons or participating in triathlons to experience the positive effects of exercise.

Begin by gradually increasing the intensity and duration over time because this allows your body to adapt and build strength, reducing the risk of injuries.

This will help you establish a sustainable exercise routine that promotes overall health, minimizing the risk. Remember, it’s not about how fast or far you go; it’s about prioritizing your long-term well-being.

By adopting a proactive mindset, you can minimize the likelihood of injuries and create a safer environment for yourself and those around you. Remember, consistent efforts to pay attention can go a long way in preventing accidents.

Creating awareness before engaging in any physical activity is crucial for promoting safety. To cultivate this awareness, take a moment to pause before beginning the task.

Whether it’s exercising or doing indoor or outdoor tasks, it’s best to slow down and think about what you’re doing!

Here are Some Ways to Protect Yourself Indoors:

🟢 Before using a knife, take an extra minute to ensure proper handling and grip. Focus on the task at hand, and avoid distractions, as this can significantly reduce the risk of accidental cuts or injuries.
🟢 Keep your shoes out of high foot traffic areas in your home to avoid tripping.
🟢 Wipe up spills promptly to prevent slips and falls, especially in areas prone to high foot traffic.
🟢 Install proper lighting fixtures or nightlights in hallways, staircases, and bathrooms to enhance visibility and reduce the risk of falling.
🟢 Hold onto stairway handrails and be cautious with each step to prevent falls.
🟢 Secure rugs to prevent them from slipping to reduce the chance of tripping or stumbling.
🟢 Use a potholder when handling hot dishes or cookware to protect your hands from burns. Also, take an extra moment to ensure your hand placement is away from any hot surfaces and avoid touching the sides or bottom of the dish, as they can retain heat.
🟢 Move loose cords out of the way to reduce tripping hazards.
🟢 Keep pathways clear of obstacles to reduce the chance of accidental falls, especially in areas with poor lighting.
🟢 Before opening cabinets, take a moment to ensure there are no obstructions or items that may fall out when the door is opened. Open them slowly and be mindful of your head’s position.

Here are Some Ways to Protect Yourself Outdoors:

🔵 Wear and secure a helmet properly before riding a bike, skateboard, or for any activity involving head protection.
🔵 Before using a ladder, make sure the it’s stable to prevent falls and injuries.
🔵 Warm up and stretch before engaging in physical exercise or sports to prevent muscle strains and injuries.
🔵 Activate your core before attempting to lift heavy objects to prevent back injuries.
🔵 Ensuring an area is well-lit and clear of obstacles before walking or running, to prevent tripping.
🔵 Read and follow instructions when using power tools or operating machinery to prevent accidents.
🔵 Wear shoes that provide appropriate support and cushioning for a specific activity. This can help prevent foot and ankle injuries and enhance performance.
🔵 Apply sunscreen and wearing protective clothing and hats, to shield the skin from harmful UV rays, and reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term damage.
🔵 Keep a bottle of water in the car to stay hydrated during travel and prevent the effects of dehydration, especially on long journeys.
🔵 Pay attention to potential hazards when walking on uneven surfaces, such as trails, sidewalks, or in unfamiliar terrain.
🔵 In icy or slippery conditions, wear appropriate footwear with good traction, and walk slowly to reduce the risk of falls.
🔵 Wear insulated jackets, hats, gloves, and boots, to protect yourself when it’s cold outside and to prevent conditions like hypothermia or frostbite.
🔵 Be mindful of your surroundings outside such as uneven sidewalks, snowbanks, or hidden obstacles, to avoid tripping or falling.